Faulty Wiring, Marijuana-Growing Equipment Caused House Fire

(Updated at 5:10 a.m. on Feb. 11): The cause of the fire was faulty wiring, and the equipment that was being used to grow the marijuana—most of which burned up in the blaze—was also a contributing factor.

No arrests have been made.

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A fire broke out at a three-story home in Santa Monica early this morning, slightly injuring two people. Marijuana plants were found in the house, located at the 700 block of Kingman Ave.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the blaze was reported at 6:43 a.m. The fire spread to the roof of the house after starting in the basement. Leaves and debris on the roof added to the blaze, which took 77 minutes to quell.

The injuries to the two individuals, whose identities have not been revealed, were minor.

spokesman Sgt. Jay Trisler said the cause of the fire is being investigated. The SMPD is also investigating if a crime was committed pertaining to the marijuana plants, which authorities found growing in the house after responding to the call.

Trisler said the residents had a medical-marijuana prescription. He also said they may have been cultivating the marijuana for their personal use.

City News Service contributed to this report.